TIP: Making a bow

If you ever need a big bow for a wedding or formal dress here's an easy way to do it.

Decide how big you want the bow to be and cut a rectangle twice as long and twice as wide plus 1" for seam allowances.

You will need to add something to give the bow some shape.  I like to use netting because it gives the bow nice shape without adding a lot of weight.  Cut the net the same size as the fabric.  Baste together.

Fold in half lengthwise and stitch together using a 1/2" seam allowance

Press seam open

Turn right side out and center seam on back.  Now stitch ends together.

 Press seam open and center on the inside of the circle.  It should look like the picture above.

By hand, sew a running stitch down the center of the bow, gather, and secure.

  

To make the tie ends, decide the length and width you would like and cut a strip twice as long and wide plus 1".  You may want to angle the ends.  

Stitch together, turn and press.

Wrap middle (or slightly off middle for different length ties) around the center of the bow and hand stitch together.

The girl I made this bow for wanted it to be removable so I sewed snaps in three places

I realized after I took the picture that it needs a good steaming, but you get the idea!